Crash causes 2K people to lose power in Spokane Valley

A crash at Boone Avenue and Pines Road caused thousands of people to lose power for about an hour on Friday morning.

The crashed happened just before 6 a.m. Friday.

According to Washington State Patrol troopers, Andrew Gardner, 21, was speeding in the left lane on Pines Road, trying to pass a car. Gardner crashed into the car that was traveling in the right lane.

Gardner lost control of his truck and crashed into a power pole. The truck continued and rolled multiple times. Troopers said Gardner got out of his truck and ran west on Boone Avenue. He was quickly caught by troopers and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Spokane Valley police said the man will be arrested on suspicion of DUI. Police also said he admitted to officers that he was high on methamphetamine.

According to Avista Utilities, more than 2,000 people lost power. It was restored to about 1,700 people around 7 a.m.

Traffic on Pines Road was blocked in both directions due to power lines on the road. The southbound lanes reopened around 8 a.m. and both northbound lanes are expected to open around 10 a.m.